SEARCH RE-OPENS—Spring-field RB Zeke Jones thought he had his college destination all mapped out — until Southern Mississippi changed coaches, prompting him to resume his search for the right college fit.

SPRINGFIELD-Springfield senior running back Zeke Jones is back on the market.

Weeks after committing to Southern Mississippi, the 5-foot-11-inch power back is reopening the recruiting process after a coaching change in Hattiesburg disrupted his previous plans.

"Everything is not going like I planned," Jones said.

The USM coaching change has reopened the door for Southeastern, McNeese State and Louisiana-Lafayette, Jones said. He expects to choose between the three schools by mid-January.

"I want to go somewhere where I feel at home," Jones said. "It doesn't necessarily have to be close to home but its got to be comfortable for me."

With no clear-cut favorite among the group, Jones, listed as a fullback, said say the decision will rely on where he is best utilized. That could hinge on what position he decides on. Southeastern is currently offering a halfback spot while McNeese is focused more on fullback.

"It's not about touches," Jones said. "I just want to be comfortable."

Jones played the role of bruising fullback in Spencer Harris' offense at Springfield. He carried the ball 433 times during the past two seasons for 2,867 yards and 43 scores. He tallied 27 touchdowns this past season and helped the Bulldogs to regional playoff berth and a 9-3. record.

"He needs to end up in a system that will utilize a big back or two backs," Harris said. "He is an inside runner, not a scat back."

Jones was nicely complimented at Springfield alongside speedy seniors Dustin Freeman and Jermaine Smith. With the outside carries going to Freeman and Smith, Jones was able to focus more on inflicting damage between the tackles. He expects the role of bruising back to be his calling card at the next level.

"They both use their backs real well," Jones said of SLU and McNeese. "They both have real good programs and it just comes down to how they are going to play me."

Jones' recruiting process reopened earlier this month when Southern Miss coach Jeff Bower unexpectedly resigned. After giving his commitment to the Golden Eagles the day before Bower's resignation, Jones said the deal was later revoked by the new administration.

"I am just trying to make something happen and doing what I like to do best and that's football," Jones said.